Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL -9 31:04 SENATE S. No._ Introduced by: Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS EXPLANATORY NOTE According to the Department of Health's Bureau of Local Health Systems Development, there are a total of 251,598 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) across the country as of November 6, 2024. This is a clear testament to the scale, reach and enduring importance of community-based health care in the Philippines Under Section 12, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution, the State is mandated to undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research, responsive to the country's health needs and problems. This is also echoed in Section 23, Paragraph 2 of Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the "Universal Health Care Act" which provides that: "To ensure continuity in the provision of the health programs and services, all health professionals and health care workers shall be guaranteed permanent employment and competitive salaries." BHWs are indispensable in the fulfillment of this constitutional promise to all Filipinos. They serve as the critical link between the government and the most marginalized sectors of society especially in remote and marginalized communities in the pursuit of health for all. As the frontliners at the barangay level, they deliver vital health services like health education, maternal and child care immunization, nutrition monitoring, and disease prevention. All these are delivered by our BHWs even under challenging conditions.

These days, it is evident to all how their role is central to the success of the primary health care approach, enabling health empowerment through accessible, acceptable, and community-responsive care. Despite the scope and significance of their contributions, BHWs remain in a precarious state. They continue to function as volunteers or non-regular personnel, with no security of tenure and without the protection or compensation accorded to regular government workers. Their invaluable work, often sustained over decades, is compensated only through benefits and incentives defined under Republic Act No. 7883, enacted in 1995—a law that, while progressive at the time, is no longer attuned to the current realities and needs of BHWs. This proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers is both a timely and necessary legislative response. It goes beyond merely acknowledging the service of BHWs-it seeks to institutionalize their roles, grant them regular plantilla positions, and ensure that they receive just compensation, security of tenure, and opportunities for career development. Through this measure, we affirm the principle that those who serve the public- especially those who safeguard our communities' health-deserve nothing less than dignity, recognition, and protection under the law. In lieu of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL -9 P4:04 SENATE S. No. 303 Introduced by: Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: CHAPTER I General Provisions

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of

Barangay Health Workers".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to protect

6 and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among 7 them. It is also the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and comprehensive 8 approach to health development, which shall endeavor to make essential goods, 9 health, and other social services available to the communities. The State acknowledges that primary health care is a key component in attaining universal health care and, with the support of local government units (LGUS), 12 the participation of communities, and volunteerism of the population, is an effective 13 strategy towards realizing health empowerment and delivering effective health care programs and services. The State values the indispensable role of barangay health workers (BHWs) as 16 frontliners in providing primary health care services and, therefore, shall adopt policies 17 that will harness their potential as partners in national development.

Pursuant thereto, the State shall define its roles and responsibilities, prescribe 2 the methods for their recruitment and retention, identify programs for capability- building and career advancement, and provide avenues to ventilate and resolve issues concerning them. In recognition of the spirit of volunteerism and concern for the upliftment of 6 the health status of communities, the State shall also promote the welfare and well- 7 being of volunteer BHWs and provide them with incentives and benefits through the collaborative efforts of LGUs and the national government.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all BHWs, whether as volunteers or

10 employees of the government, and all LGUs and national government agencies that mobilize BHWs to expand the delivery of primary health care services to communities, families, and individuals. CHAPTER II THE BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DELIVERY

Sec. 4. The Role of BHWs in Providing Primary Health Care. - The BHWs shall

serve as frontliners in supporting the delivery of primary health care in the community. They shall form part of the community health teams of the barangay health station, health center, or any other primary health care facility of the municipal/city health office established to provide primary health care services to a barangay or a part of it, or a cluster of barangays. For this purpose, BHWs are hereby declared as members of the cadre of community health care workers. The head of the barangay health station, health center, or any other primary health care facility of the municipal/city health office shall exercise day-to-day direct control and supervision over the BHWs. The BHW shall perform the following roles: (a) Primary Health Care Service Provider - to assist the health facilities in providing primary health care services to the members of the community;

(b) Health Educator - to provide knowledge and skills to community members in the prevention and management of simple illnesses; (c) Community Organizer - to organize and mobilize the community towards self-reliance; and (d) Record Keeper - to assist in the development and maintenance of a community health profile, and collect health data and information of families and individuals in the community. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11223, or the "Universal Health Care Act", certified 10 BHWs, who have undergone the certification process under Section 10 of this Act, shall serve as primary care workers and act as the navigator, initial and continuing point of contact in the healthcare delivery system. They shall endorse patients to the next level of health care provider within the health care provider network to which the barangay health station, health center, or any other primary health care unit, belongs: Provided, That except in emergency or serious cases and when proximity is a concern, access to higher levels of care shall be coordinated by the certified BHWS. To effectively and efficiently perform these roles and expectations, the BHWS assigned to a barangay should be residents of the community. The Department of Health (DOH) shall promulgate the policies, guidelines, and the specific duties and responsibilities of registered and certified BHWs.

Sec. 5. Coordination Between the Health Station/Health Center/Health Care

Facility of the Municipal/City Health Office with the Barangay. - The head of the barangay health station, health center, or any other primary health care facility, of the municipal/city health office shall coordinate and collaborate with the punong barangay, or with several punong barangays in the case of health centers providing services to a cluster of barangays, in the implementation of programs and activities to address the primary health care needs of the communities. Pursuant to Section 17(b)(ii) of the Local Government Code, the punong barangay shall support the delivery of health services in the community by ensuring the maintenance of the health station/center, particularly in providing the necessary additional logistical support, supplies, and services needed by BHWs.

Sec. 6. Number of Barangay Health Workers. - The determination of the

2 number of BHWs who can serve a barangay or a cluster thereof shall be guided by and based on, among others, the catchment population, the community health profile, and the need for different primary health care services. The DOH, in consultation with LGUs, shall determine the ideal ratio of BHWs with the required competencies to households and issue an updated policy on this ratio every five (5) years. CHAPTER III REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, AND APPOINTMENT

Sec. 7. Registration. - In addition to qualifications to be set by the municipal/city

health board, an applicant must meet the following requirements to qualify as a BHW: (a) At least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing the application for registration; (b) Physically and mentally fit; and (c) With basic BHW orientation and training as prescribed by the DOH completed in the same year of application for registration. Eligible applicants shall register with the local health board in the municipality or city where they reside and intend to render service and shall be given appropriate proof of said registration. It shall be the duty of the municipal/city health offices, in cooperation with the provincial health offices and the DOH, to provide interested BHW applicants with basic orientation and training.

Sec. 8. Role of the Municipal/City Local Health Boards. - In addition to their

functions under Section 102, Title V of the Local Government Code, as amended, the municipal/city health boards shall prescribe the policies and guidelines and be responsible for the recruitment, selection, registration, certification, retention and removal of, and the resolution of complaints and grievances involving, BHWs in their jurisdictions. The decisions of the municipal/city health board with regard to the revocation of registration of a BHW or on the resolution of complaints and grievances

1 of and against BHWs may be appealed to the provincial health board and, thereafter, 2 to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG, in collaboration with the DOH, shall provide the general guidelines in setting up the grievance and appeal mechanism.

Sec. 9. National BHW Information System. - A National BHW Information

6 System shall be established and maintained by the DOH, in partnership with the 7 Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), to assist the national government and LGUs in formulating and implementing policies and programs 9 for the organization and development of the cadre of BHWS. The Information System shall be the sole source of real-time data and information on BHWs nationwide. It shall contain the list of all BHWs at the barangay, municipal, city, and provincial levels, their socio-demographic profiles, qualifications, areas of assignment, and other information that the DOH may deem necessary. The municipal/city health boards shall be responsible for registering and continuously updating the records of BHWs in their jurisdictions. The provincial health boards, with the assistance of the DOH, shall provide training to municipal/city health boards within the province on the use of the Information System and ensure that the local health boards regularly submit accurate 19 data and information on their BHWs.

Sec. 10. Certification of BHWs. - To ensure the health and welfare of the

community and further professionalize the cadre of BHWs in rendering primary health care services, a duly registered BHW shall undergo certification by the municipal/city health board. The DOH, in consultation with the Technical Education and Skills Development 25 Authority (TESDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), shall promulgate the policies, standards, and guidelines for the certification of competency of BHWs. To qualify for certification, a registered BHW must have: (a) Completed at least two (2) years of continuous service in the locality; (b) Completed the training on the roles, duties, and responsibilities of a BHW, as prescribed by the DOH;

(c) Provided satisfactory performance as evaluated by the health care professional supervising the concerned BHW immediately before the filing of the application for certification; and (d) Completed the courses of the certification component of the Education and Training Program, provided in Section 11 of this Act. The municipal/city health boards shall act on the applications for certification 7 of BHWs not later than thirty (30) days from the date of application and issue the 8 certificate of competency to qualified BHWs upon inspection, verification, or testing of 9 their conformity to policies, standards, and guidelines issued by the DOH. It shall be the duty of the municipal/city governments, in cooperation with the provincial government and the DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs the necessary support and opportunities for certification.

Sec. 11. Education and Training Program for BHWs. - The DOH and the TESDA,

in collaboration with the CSC, the CHED, relevant government agencies, LGUS, 15 education institutions, and stakeholders, shall develop and institutionalize a continuing competency-based education and training curriculum for all BHWs. The curriculum shall train the BHWs as primary health care service providers, health educators, community organizers, and record keepers. It shall prescribe the courses for the certification component and for the continuing health education and capacity- 20 building of all BHWs. The DOH and the TESDA shall complement the competency-based education and training curriculum by making available web-based and mobile applications for the purposes of: (a) Providing training materials to enhance the knowledge and skills of BHWS; (b) Offering forums for BHWs to communicate, share experiences, and seek advice from peers and health professionals; (c) Disseminating new policies, programs, and guidelines pertaining to their roles and responsibilities; (d) Facilitating reporting and feedback mechanisms to improve service delivery and address challenges faced in the field; and

(e) Offering resources, including health and wellness programs for personal and professional development.

Sec. 12. Inclusion of the BHW Positions in the Government Plantilla. - The

4 Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in consultation with the CSC, the DOH 5 and LGUs, shall establish the position classification and the corresponding salary 6 grades for BHWs in the Index of Occupational Standards. Municipalities and cities may 7 employ BHWs in their respective LGUs.

Sec. 13. Retention and Continuous Service of BHWs. - Registered and certified

9 BHWs shall continue to perform their roles, duties, and responsibilities except due to 10 the withdrawal of an individual as a BHW or removal for cause by the municipal/city 11 health board after due process. The continuity of services of BHWs, revocation of their registration, or their removal from the cadre of BHws, shall follow the policies and guidelines promulgated by the DILG and the DOH.

Sec. 14. Creation of Plantilla Positions. - All Local Government Units (LGUS),

in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of the Interior 16 and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), shall create plantilla positions for BHWs within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, subject to the phased implementation plan.

Sec. 15. Minimum Salary Grade. - All BHW plantilla positions shall receive a

salary not lower than Salary Grade (SG) 1, in accordance with the prevailing compensation and position classification system of the DBM. LGUs may provide additional top-ups or local incentives, subject to their fiscal capacity. The SG of BHW plantilla positions may be adjusted by the DBM, upon consultation with the DOH, CSC, and relevant stakeholders, subject to their fiscal capacity and based on performance reviews, cost of living adjustments, or changes in national compensation policies.

Sec. 16. Phased Implementation. - The creation of plantilla positions shall be

implemented in phases over a period of three (3) years, taking into consideration the following factors: (a) Annual budgetary allocations of both the local and national government; (b) The existing registry of BHWs is maintained and validated by the DOH;

(c) Local government fiscal capacity, with national government counterpart funding or subsidy where necessary. The DOH shall implement the subsidy program for LGUs in phases or batches, 4 beginning one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, and shall prioritize the following: a) Fourth- to sixth-class municipalities; b) Geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs); and c) LGUs with a high ratio of unregularized BHWs to the population served. The phased implementation schedule, including eligibility criteria and 9 monitoring mechanisms, shall be detailed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations 10 (IRR) to be promulgated under this Act.

Sec. 17. Qualifications for Appointment. - To be eligible for appointment to a

plantilla position as a BHW under this Act, an individual must meet the following minimum qualifications: (a) Must be able to read and write, as defined under applicable CSC standards; (b) Must be included in the official BHW registry maintained and validated by the DOH in coordination with the respective LGU; and (c) Must have rendered at least one (1) year of continuous service as a BHW prior to appointment, whether on a volunteer or contractual basis, as certified by the local health office. No formal educational degree, professional licensure, or eligibility examination shall be required for appointment to Salary Grade 1 positions under this Act. The CSC shall issue appropriate guidelines consistent with this policy.

Sec. 18. Security of Tenure. - BHWs appointed to plantilla positions under this

Act shall enjoy full security of tenure, consistent with the Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations. No BHW shall be removed or dismissed from service except for just cause and with due process, as provided under applicable laws. Their tenure shall not be affected by changes in local leadership, political affiliation, or personal preference of appointing authorities.

Sec. 19. Special Provisions for Senior BHWs. - BHWs who are nearing or have

reached the compulsory retirement age for government service, or who voluntarily

1 choose not to be appointed to plantilla positions due to age or other personal reasons, 2 shall not be compelled to undergo regularization under this Act. In recognition of their years of service and continued contributions to 4 community health, LGUs, in coordination with the DOH, shall provide alternative 5 benefits or support mechanisms. CHAPTER IV Incentives and Benefits

Sec. 20. Monthly Honoraria for Non-Plantilla BHWs. - Pending the creation of

9 plantilla positions for BHWs, those who are actively and regularly performing their 10 duties shall be entitled to monthly honoraria in the amount of not less than Three Thousand Pesos (Php 3,000.00) for registered BHWs and not less than Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00) for certified BHWs, subject to adjustment based on the prevailing market value: Provided, That no diminution of monthly honoraria can be made on BHWs already receiving more than the herein prescribed minimum amounts: Provided, further. That the DOH, in coordination with the DILG and the DBM, shall review and adjust the minimum honoraria every three (3) years.

Sec. 21. Transportation Allowance/Expense Reimbursements. - Registered and

certified BHWs shall be provided by the barangay with transportation allowance or to reimbursement of actual transportation expense for the performance of their functions, as may be authorized by law or regulation: Provided, That the barangay may, instead, provide applicable forms of transportation to enable the BHWs to provide the needed primary health care service: Provided, further. That the municipality or city, through their health offices, may shoulder such allowance or expense: Provided, finally. That official travels, such as seminars, conferences, and transport of patients outside of the barangay or locality, shall be shouldered by the barangay, municipality, city, or province that authorized such official travel and shall not be deducted from the honoraria of the BHWs;

Sec. 22. Subsistence Allowance. - The concerned municipality or city shall

provide BHWs who render service in unserved or underserved barangays where they 30 are not residents to make their services available at any and all times, with subsistence

1 allowance equivalent to the meals taken during their duty, which shall be computed 2 following prevailing circumstances. In no case shall such subsistence allowance be 3 less than One hundred pesos (P 100.00) per day;

Sec. 23. Hazard Allowance. - BHWs who, in the exercise of their duties, are

5 exposed to situations, conditions, or factors in the work environment or place where 6 foreseeable but unavoidable danger or risks to their health, life, or on their person 7 exist, including assignment to communities in or recovering from a situation of armed 8 conflict, as validated by proper authorities, shall be paid a hazard allowance by the 9 concerned municipality or city in an amount to be determined by its local health board 10 and the local peace and order council, which shall in no case be less than One thousand pesos (P 1,000.00) per month, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations;

Sec. 24. Insurance Coverage. - Insurance coverage and benefit packages from

the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), suited to their needs and unique circumstances, shall be borne by the concerned municipality or city. For this purpose, the GSIS shall design such appropriate insurance packages;

Sec. 25. Health Emergency Allowance During Public Health Emergency. -

Volunteer BHWs who are part of the National BHW Information System and are assigned to health facilities and barangay health emergency response teams during public health emergencies shall be entitled to the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA and other benefits prescribed in Republic Act No. 11712. The national government shall provide funds for the payment of the HEA and other benefits;

Sec. 26. Cash Gift. - The BHWs shall be entitled to a cash gift not less than the

minimum monthly honoraria, to be given every December;

Sec. 27. One-time Dedicated Service Recognition Incentive. - A BHW who

withdraws as a registered or certified BHW but has continuously and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years shall, in recognition of his/her loyalty, dedication, and service, be entitled to a one-time incentive of not less than Ten thousand pesos 29 (P 10,000.00), which shall be borne by the municipality or city concerned. The national and provincial governments shall assist in case of non-availability of funds from the concerned municipality or component city;

Sec. 28. Education and Career Advancement. - The DOH, in coordination with

2 the Department of Education, CHED, TESDA, CSC, other concerned national 3 government agencies, non-government organizations, and LGUs, shall provide information on, and opportunities for, education and career advancement for BHWs, 5 such as: i. Educational programs that credit the years of primary health care service of the BHW and the number of training hours gained during attendance to courses covered by the Education and Training Program under Section 11 of this Act towards higher education completion in institutions with step- ladder curricula, as provided under Republic Act No. 10968, otherwise known as the "PQF Act", and Republic Act No. 10647, otherwise known as the "Ladderized Education Act of 2014", thus allowing them to upgrade their skills and knowledge for community work or to pursue further training as health care professionals; ii. Continuing education, study and exposure tours, field immersion, and scholarship and financial grants, among others; iii. Scholarship grant or financial assistance to one (1) child of a BHW who is unable to take advantage of the programs described in paragraphs (i) and (ii) hereof; and iv. Special training programs, such as traditional medicine, disaster preparedness, and other programs that address emergent community health problems and issues;

Sec. 29. Free Legal Services. - Legal representation and consultation services

shall be immediately provided by the Public Attorney's Office to a BHW in cases of coercion or interference, and in other civil and criminal cases filed by or against the BHW arising out of or in connection with the performance of his/her duties; and

Sec. 30. Preferential Access to Government Livelihood Programs. - Government

agencies providing livelihood programs shall provide organized BHWs with preferential access to loan services; Provided, That in the provision of the monthly honoraria and 30 the cash gift, and in consideration of the financial assistance of the national government to third, fourth, and fifth class municipalities, as provided under Section 32 of this Act, the provinces, in consultation with component cities, municipalities, and

1 barangays within their jurisdiction, shall determine the actual amount or percentage 2 share of the amount that each LGU will give to BHWs: Provided, further. That nothing 3 herein limits the barangay, municipality, city, or province from fully shouldering the 4 provision of the monthly honoraria and the cash gift: Provided, furthermore. That 5 nothing herein prevents the barangay, municipality, city, and province from providing 6 additional monetary and non-monetary benefits to BHWs to supplement those given 7 by another concerned LGU within the province: Provided, finally. That these honoraria 8 shall be given starting January of the ensuing fiscal year unless the LGUs, singly or 9 collectively, immediately provide the needed funding.

Sec. 31. Sub-Professional Eligibility. - Certified BHWs shall be granted sub-

professional eligibility if they have rendered at least five (5) years of continuous service as such: Provided, That should a BHW become a regular employee of the government, the total numbers of years served as such shall be credited to the BHWs service in the computation of retirement benefits. The emoluments, incentives, benefits, honoraria, allowances, and reimbursements of BHWs employed by the municipality, city, province, or national government agencies on a regular, contractual, casual, or job order basis shall be governed by civil service laws and the policies issued by the CSC, the Office of the President, the DBM, and the LGU under which they are employed.

Sec. 32. BHW Deployment Subsidy to Low-Income Municipalities. - There is

hereby mandated a BHW Deployment Subsidy to Low-Income Municipalities to provide financial assistance to third, fourth, and fifth class municipalities and enable them to deploy a sufficient number of volunteer BHWs in their communities, particularly to unserved or underserved areas in their jurisdictions, and provide incentives to dedicated volunteer BHWs. Priority shall he given to municipalities with no or less capacity to give regular and adequate monthly honoraria and other incentives to their BHWs, as determined by the DOH and the DILG. CHAPTER V Institutional Arrangements

Sec. 33. Role of the Department of Health. - To ensure the effectivity of the

2 implementation of this Act, the DOH shall: a) Formulate national standards and guidelines for the recruitment, qualification, training, and deployment of BHWs, in coordination with the CSC, DILG, DBM and other concerned agencies; b) Provide technical assistance and oversight to LGUs to ensure that the services of BHWs are aligned with national public health programs and priorities; c) Establish a funding mechanism, subject to existing laws and availability of funds, to provide full or partial salary subsidies to LGUs, prioritizing fourth to sixth-class municipalities, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and other LGUs with limited fiscal capacity; d) Develop and oversee a phased implementation plan, in consultation with LGUs, BHW associations, and relevant stakeholders, with due regard to local fiscal capacity, national health workforce targets, and the existing BHW registry; e) Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework, in coordination with the LGUs, to assess the implementation, efficiency, and effectiveness of the regularization program, and shall submit annual reports to Congress; and f) Strengthen DOH-LGU coordination mechanism to ensure the effective integration and support of BHWs within the local health systems.

Sec. 34. Role of the Local Government. To ensure the effective implementation

of this Act at the community level, Local Government Units (LGUs) shall have the following responsibilities: a. LGUs shall create and maintain regular plantilla positions for qualified Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), consistent with the national standards prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH), and in coordination with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). b. LGUs shall be responsible for the recruitment, appointment, and administrative supervision of BHWs within their jurisdictions, in

accordance with the qualification standards, accreditation guidelines, and merit-based procedures set by the DOH and CSC. c. LGUs shall ensure the timely and full disbursement of salaries, allowances, and benefits of BHWs in plantilla positions, including the continued provision of honoraria and incentives for volunteer BHWS, subject to applicable laws and budgetary capacity. d. LGUs shall support and facilitate the participation of BHWs in DOH- accredited training, upskilling, and continuing education programs, and where possible, develop local initiatives for career development in coordination with TESDA, CHED, and other relevant agencies. e. LGUs shall regularly update and validate their respective BHW registries and submit the same to the Provincial Health Office and the DOH for consolidation. They shall also conduct periodic performance assessments of BHWs, using national performance metrics and local feedback mechanisms. f. LGUs shall ensure that BHWs are protected from discrimination, undue political interference, and unjust termination. They shall establish grievance mechanisms and adopt local policies that promote a safe, enabling, and inclusive working environment for BHWs. g. LGUs shall prioritize adequate budgetary allocation for the implementation of this Act, including counterpart funding for salary subsidies, training programs, and operational support for BHWs. h. LGUs shall coordinate closely with the DOH, Provincial Health Offices, BHW Federations, and other stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of BHW deployment and integration within the local health system. CHAPTER VI Prohibitions, Protections, and Rights

Sec. 35. Discrimination Prohibited. - Discrimination against any BHW by reason

2 of gender, civil status, creed, religious or political beliefs, and ethnic groupings in the 3 exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited.

Sec. 36. Protection of BHWs. - The municipal, city, provincial governments and

5 the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall establish a 6 grievance mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged 7 acts of discrimination and unjust removal from the service. A BHW may appeal their 8 grievances to the DILG.

Sec. 37. Right to Self-organization. - A BHW shall have the right to freely form,

10 join or assist organizations to obtain redress of their grievances through peaceful concerted activities, in a manner not contrary to law, and with utmost regard to service 12 to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in the interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients.

Sec. 38. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care

Provider Network. - The president of the municipal or city association of BHWs shall be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The presidents of the association of BHWs of each component city and municipality associations of a province shall elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial health board: Provided, That, the BHW representatives to the health boards shall not be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation and disciplinary or removal complaints of BHWs. The BHWs shall also form part of the healthcare provider network and shall 23 participate in the implementation of healthcare services and programs.

Sec. 39. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. - The DOH shall conduct

25 continuous capacity building for BHWs to enhance and upgrade their knowledge and skills, including training programs conducted online and in major Philippine dialects. 27 The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies shall also 28 assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials that highlight 29 the collective experiences and learnings of BHWs and the use of traditional and 30 complementary medicine.

The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs 2 and other health workers in coordination with TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies concerned.

Sec. 40. Prohibition on Participation in Political Activities. - To maintain their

5 integrity and impartiality, and eliminate the possibility of conflicts with their catchment 6 households, BHWs are prohibited from participating in partisan political activities. Any 7 BHW who files an application as a candidate in any political position is hereby deemed 8 removed from the list of registered BHWs or resigned from government service, as 9 the case may be. Participation in political activities shall serve as basis for the local 10 health board to remove BHWs from the list of registered BHWs. CHAPTER VII Other Provisions

Sec. 41. Observance of BHW Day. - Every barangay shall commemorate BHW

Day on April 7 of every year in recognition of the service of BHWs, their heroic services in times of crisis, and their indispensable role in promoting health and wellness among the citizenry. The DOH, in cooperation with the DILG and all LGUs, shall hold simple ceremonies or activities to 10 highlight the indispensable role of BHWs in nationbuilding.

Sec. 42. Periodic Review of Implementation. - The DOH, in coordination with

the DBM, DILG, CSC, and relevant BHW associations, shall conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of this Act every three (3) years from its effectivity. The review shall include, but not be limited to: 1. The adequacy of the salary grade and benefits of BHWs; 2. The effectiveness of the plantilla integration process; 3. Equity in allocation of national subsidies; and 4. The overall impact of the Act on community health outcomes. The findings and recommendations shall be submitted to Congress and made publicly available to inform possible amendments or improvements to the Act.

Sec. 43. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this

30 Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment (NTA) of the LGUs, other local

1 funds and the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known as 2 the "Universal Health Care Act".

Sec. 44. Implementing Rules And Regulations. - The DOH and the DILG shall,

in consultation with the DepEd, the CSC, the GSIS, and other concerned government 5 agencies and nongovernmental entities, promulgate the rules and regulations to 6 implement this Act not later than one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity 7 of this Act.

Sec. 45. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

9 invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 46. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 7883 otherwise known as the

11 "Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995" is hereby repealed. 12 All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with 13 this Act are hereby repealed, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 47. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

15 publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. Approved,